Earlier this week, the Alberta government tabled Bill 3, the Personal Information Protection Amendment Act, to resolve constitutional issues raised by the Supreme Court of Canada.

I am pleased the government brought these amendments to the legislature quickly as the importance of private sector privacy legislation in Alberta cannot be overstated," said Information and Privacy Commissioner Clayton. "I believe the amendments address the issues raised by the Supreme Court while, at the same time, balancing the need to protect the privacy interests of individuals."

Bill 3 proposes an exception to consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by a trade union in limited circumstances related to a labour relations matter, and is subject to certain conditions being met. This is similar to a solution recommended in a letter Clayton wrote to the government in December 2013.

Clayton noted Bill 3 includes regulation-making powers in the proposed amendments with respect to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information by trade unions. She hopes she will be consulted on any proposed regulations prior to implementation in order to comment on possible access and privacy implications.